Lost And Found In Early Irish Law

The book presents a critical edition and translation of a newly discovered early Irish legal text on lost and stolen property, Aidbred, and also includes editions of two other texts concerning property found on land, Heptad 64, and at sea, Muirbretha.

The ancient laws of Celtic Ireland were used from the time before Patrick until the 17th century when they were outlawed and disappeared. Crafted by judges, known as Brehons, the laws were surprisingly modern in their approach to timeless issues and reflect a complex and sophisticated society. This book gives an outline of the main features of the laws and their history, and ultimately focuses on certain themes that are significant to the modern reader, such as equity and fairness, transparent legal process and women's rights. Many of the legal manuscripts have been lost or destroyed and the laws were not translated into English until modern times. As a result, they have mostly remained obscure and unstudied. Only recently have they given up their secrets. The ancient laws provide a window into society in early Ireland where learning was revered, social mobility was expected and fairness and harmony were social goals. Their resilience demonstrates their value and effectiveness. The Brehon legal system came to an end officially in 1605 after enduring for over a thousand years.

A fascinating look at the lifestyle and values of ancient Ireland Thousands of years ago, Celtic Ireland was a land of tribes and warriors; but a widely accepted, sophisticated and surprisingly enlightened legal system kept society running smoothly. The brehons were the keepers of these laws, which dealt with every aspect of life: land disputes; recompense for theft or violence; marriage and divorce processes; the care of trees and animals. Transmitted orally from ancient times, the laws were transcribed by monks around the fifth century, and what survived was translated by nineteenth-century scholars. Jo Kerrigan has immersed herself in these texts, revealing fascinating details that are inspiring for our world today. With atmospheric photographs by Richard Mills, an accessible introduction to a hidden gem of Irish heritage

An exploration of the early Irish laws that defined everyday life in Medieval Ireland, as well as analysis of their history, influences, and development prior to the supplantation of English common law. First published in 1894, The Brehon Laws is Laurence Ginnell’s handbook for the history of the Irish legal system. Opening with the history of Saxon law and detailing the first written legal recordings, Ginnell enthusiastically informs the reader about the survival of Brehon law from the seventh century through to the seventeenth century when English common law took favour. The chapters featured in this volume include: - Ancient Law - Existing Remains Of Irish Law - The Senchus Mōr - Legislative Assemblies - Classification of Society - The Law of Distraining - Criminal Law - Native, Not Roman Providing insight into Gaelic society and the evolution of law and culture, this guidebook is the ideal read for those with an interest in the history of the legal system. This edition features a specially-commissioned biography of the author.

This volume provides a complete English translation of Cáin Lánamna "The Law of Couples," an Old Irish legal text dated to c. 700 which is a major source of information about women, marriage, and divorce in early Ireland.